Should I have LASIK? Can I have LASIK?

Judging by the millions of people who rely on eyeglasses and contact lenses to see well, we can state with confidence that these options are proven. Being proven, though, doesn’t mean they are optimal. Many people who visit our LASIK & cataract center express frustration with nuisances like eyeglasses that slide down the bridge of the nose or fit loosely overall, or with contact lenses that slide out of place. LASIK is a solution that has helped many people improve their vision and reduce their need for glasses or contacts.

LASIK is one of the leading vision-correcting procedures performed in our country, and has been for several years. When treating patients in our Winchester, VA office, our priority is to help each one decided which treatment is their best choice. The way we do that is by listening carefully to needs and preferences, performing a thorough consultation and examination, and explaining the details of each viable treatment option. Here, we discuss details of LASIK.

LASIK can be performed on adults of all ages. Some patients have LASIK before age 20, while others undergo this procedure some time past their fifties or sixties. There is no “right” age, other than being 18 or older, because, before this age, vision may still change quite a bit.

We do look at the stability of your prescription but don’t expect perfection. There is a misperception about LASIK that a good candidate is someone whose prescription has not changed in the last year. This is nearly impossible. What doctors want to see is relative stability, in which vision does not change much from one year to the next.

LASIK is not performed on pregnant or breastfeeding women. Also, women who are planning to become pregnant within the year of LASIK should speak with their doctor. The hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy can affect the shape of the cornea and thus alter the results of LASIK.

We are proud to offer LASIK treatment to patients in the Winchester area. If you are tired of the frustrations caused by eyeglasses or contact lenses, we invite you to consult with us. You may discover that you are an excellent candidate for LASIK. Schedule your visit at 540-722-6200.